“A completed activity is less attractive to a toddler than one that has been left undone.” - Simone Davies author of The Montessori Toddler
An undone toy or activity is one that is not complete or assembled but may be organized with each of its pieces in a basket or tray. While this may go against the instincts of parents, who at the end of the evening are cleaning their child's play spaces and carefully reassembling each item, it is one that has the power to invite play and interest.
The Benefits By leaving toys undone, preferably with the loose parts in a tray or basket, children can become very interested in reassembling and organizing their toys. Further, leaving toys undone,
Invites interest and serves as an invitation to reassemble
Promotes problem solving and critical thinking
Allows your child the ability to organize
If stored in a basket or tray, allows your child to move the parts to a location of their choosing providing agency and independence
Visual Examples Here are a few of our favorite examples of beautiful organized shelves with toys undone.